Umang, a young, perpetually cheerful boy with a mop of unruly dark hair and bright, inquisitive eyes, walked to Manic Nation School with his friends every day. Today, however, a palpable buzz of anticipation filled the air – a new session was starting.
The classroom door slid open, revealing a new student. "Hi, my name is Izu Mitsumi. I'm from Japan." Izu was strikingly beautiful, with a cascade of pure white hair that framed her delicate, almost ethereal features. Her slim figure was accentuated by the crisp, unfamiliar uniform, and her eyes held a quiet intensity.
Rohan, a lanky boy with a perpetual smirk, nudged his friend. "She's from Japan, man. What the hell is she doing here?"
Arpit, his eyes glinting with a predatory look, raised an eyebrow. "Maybe she's here for us." The boys erupted in snickers.
Umang, his breath catching in his throat, murmured, "Kafi sundar ladki hai yaar. She's too pretty, damn." He felt a strange warmth spread through his cheeks.
The teacher, a stern woman with a voice that could cut through any chatter, cleared her throat, the sound echoing through the room. "Students, this is your new classmate. Please help her with her studies and everything. She can speak English fluently, though her Hindi is limited. Izu, you will sit with Umang for now. Your seating will change next month with the new seating plan."
Izu walked towards her desk, her movements graceful and fluid.
Umang, attempting to appear casual, greeted her with a tentative, "Konichiwa."
Izu's face lit up with a genuine smile. "Konichiwa! How do you know Japanese?"
Umang stammered, his cheeks flushing. "Oh, no... I don't know much. I learned a few words from watching anime." He cursed his awkwardness inwardly, his usual confidence deserting him.
Classes began, and Umang, despite his nervousness, helped Izu with her books, sharing his when necessary. Throughout the lecture, he found himself glancing at her, drawn to her quiet elegance. Each time Izu turned her gaze towards him, he would jerk his eyes back to his books, feigning intense concentration.
Finally, Izu leaned towards him, a slight frown creasing her brow. "Hey, is something wrong with my face? You keep looking at me."
Umang blurted out, "No, it's just that... I've never seen a girl with white hair before." His words tumbled out in a rush.
Izu's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Oh, really? Okay, but please focus on the books now." A faint blush colored her cheeks.
During the refreshment break, Adhya, a vivacious girl with a cascade of curly brown hair, approached Izu and led her to her group. They settled at a table, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Adhya, her curiosity piqued, asked, "So, why did you come to this school, Izu? And why did you start living in India?"
Izu's smile faltered for a moment, and her eyes glazed over, as if she were reliving a painful memory.
* Flashback: Two years ago, Izu had arrived in India with her father, whose business had expanded rapidly. The change, coupled with a toxic group of friends, had transformed her. She had become rebellious, indulging in drinking, smoking, and even fighting. Her behavior had led to her suspension from her previous school for bullying and harassment. Her father, his expression a mix of disappointment and sternness, had given her an ultimatum: "Act as a good student this year. It's your last chance. After that, you can return to Japan." Izu, her voice choked with tears, had promised to try.
Izu blinked, snapping back to the present. "Oh, nothing much. My dad's business is in India, and this school is quite famous."
One of the girls in the group, her eyes narrowed, said, "Oh, I get it. So, how was it sitting with that creepy nerd guy?"
Izu rolled her eyes, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Oh man, that dude wouldn't stop staring at me the whole lecture. I couldn't even focus."
Adhya giggled. "Ahh, so he likes you. What will you do? Will you accept his proposal?"
Izu scoffed. "No, it's not like that. He's just stupid. He's probably starstruck by seeing a Japanese girl who watches anime."
Another girl chimed in, her voice dripping with disdain. "Anyways, who would ever date him? He's just a short guy with no good looks. I can't even imagine a girl dating him." The group erupted in laughter, and Izu, caught up in the moment, joined them.
Adhya, her eyes twinkling, asked, "So, who is your type, Izu?"
"I think a guy like Arpit matches my style."
"Oh, he's the talk of the town. He's hard to get. But you know, Arpit is best friends with Umang. So, if you make Umang your friend, maybe then..."
Izu, her mind racing, thought, This year, I can't repeat the same mistakes. I'll be a gentle girl, this last year of school. Aloud, she said, "No, I can't use him. He seems like a nice guy, though his looks aren't the best, his personality is good."
One of the girls hugged her, "You're too nice, Izu!"
Adhya, with a mischievous grin, added, "Oh, don't make us look bad. We don't hate him, but he's just... weird. And he makes weird songs." The group burst into laughter again.
From across the courtyard, Umang watched Izu smile, a pang of longing in his chest. Her smile is too pretty.
Arpit slapped him on the shoulder, a playful smirk on his face. "What are you watching, mate?"
Umang, startled, replied, "Nothing. Just thinking about our new song. We'll make it a trending song this time."
Arpit frowned slightly. "Oh, focus on your health more. We can make many songs afterward."
Present Day, 2024:
Umang, his eyes gleaming with a dark intensity, spoke in a low, menacing voice. "I'm telling you the whole story, but after that, I will kill you... mm...m."
He lifted a pen and began to draw a gun in a black, leather-bound book from which a dark, swirling energy emanated. "Demon Art... make a gun."
The drawing shimmered, and a sleek, black gun materialized, rising from the book and into Umang's outstretched hand. He aimed it, his finger tightening on the trigger.
The identity of the person Umang was aiming at remained shrouded in mystery.